Luminaire illumination and power distribution system

ABSTRACT

A device and method for housing a terminator circuit and brightly distributing light from one surface and dimly distributing light from another surface with a single light source. Additionally, light may be distributed from a top surface, a bottom surface and through an edge surface. In operation, the light fixture of figure may provide tri-directional lighting by providing light from the LEDs directed from one side of the light fixture, while providing light from a second side of the light fixture in the opposite direction (but offset), and directing a third portion of light from one of the LED arrays through a light pipe to an edge of the fixture. This allows a lighting designer a wide range of aesthetics and lighting affects because light of different densities may be directed where needed.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of co-pending provisional patent application 62/329,680 filed Apr. 29, 2016, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set for herein.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to lighting fixtures, and more particularly to a device for terminating power conveniently and seamlessly into a surface as well as distributing light such that some illuminated areas are brightly illuminated, and other illuminated areas are gently illuminated.

Lighting fixtures are one of the basic lighting devices used in homes, offices and a variety of industrial settings. For example, a typical lighting fixture may be mounted on a wall, at a position above a desk, in a corridor, a door entrance, or a garage door such that the area can be illuminated by the lighting fixture. There are many criteria for luminaire design. This includes cost, aesthetics, functionality, ease of use, ease of installation, safety and energy efficiency among others. One task lighting designers have is finding flexible illumination to provide the visual and illumination effects according to an architectural design. Manufacturers want to provide a wide variety of luminaires without incurring excessive inventory and design costs. Also manufacturers want to take advantage of economies of scale when manufacturing.

As such, there is a need for directing gentle illumination towards a viewer, and directing intense illumination towards objects to be lit as well as for drawing power conveniently, safely and seamlessly from a bracket.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a device and method for housing a terminator circuit and brightly distributing light from one surface and dimly distributing light from another surface with a single light source. Additionally, light may be distributed from a top surface, a bottom surface and through an edge surface.

In operation, the light fixture of figure may provide tri-directional lighting by providing light from the LEDs directed from one side of the light fixture, while providing light from a second side of the light fixture in the opposite direction (but offset), and directing a third portion of light from one of the LED arrays through a light pipe to an edge of the fixture. This allows a lighting designer a wide range of aesthetics and lighting affects because light of different densities may be directed where needed.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objectives and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an anchor plate, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2 illustrates an anchor plate and light fixture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an installed anchor plate and light fixture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates views of a circuit board with an inline sliding connector, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a light fixture, inline sliding connector, bracket end cap, and terminator circuit, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and,

FIG. 6 illustrates a light fixture, lens cover plate and optional light pipe, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION Generality of Invention

This application should be read in the most general possible form. This includes, without limitation, the following:

References to specific techniques include alternative and more general techniques, especially when discussing aspects of the invention, or how the invention might be made or used

References to “preferred” techniques generally mean that the inventor contemplates using those techniques, and thinks they are best for the intended application. This does not exclude other techniques for the invention, and does not mean that those techniques are necessarily essential or would be preferred in all circumstances.

References to contemplated causes and effects for some implementations do not preclude other causes or effects that might occur in other implementations.

References to reasons for using particular techniques do not preclude other reasons or techniques, even if completely contrary, where circumstances would indicate that the stated reasons or techniques are not as applicable

Furthermore, the invention is in no way limited to the specifics of any particular embodiments and examples disclosed herein. Many other variations are possible which remain within the content, scope and spirit of the invention, and these variations would become clear to those skilled in the art after perusal of this application.

Lexicography

The term “optical density” refers to a substances light permittivity, e.g., opacity. An object with high optical density allows for relatively low amounts of light to be transmitted through the object. An object with low optical density allows for relatively high amounts of light to pass through, and may be referred to as “optically sparse.”

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

FIG. 1

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an anchor plate 100, according to the present disclosure. View 1A shows anchor plate 100, tongue 110 and anchor flukes 120. Optionally, connector 150 may be attached.

View 1B shows anchor plate 100 from a side view. View 1B shows tongue 110 which is attached to bracket 130, and bracket 130 is housed inside channel box 140. The channel box 140 encompasses a channel area 112 which extends at least in part, down the surface of the anchor plate 100. In view 1B, bracket 130 including tongue 110 is slightly recessed into channel box 140. For clarity, connector 150 has been excluded from View 1B. Bracket 130 is shown as a separate piece from the anchor plate 100. In FIG. 1B, bracket 130 is asymmetrically “T” shaped with tapered edges. The bracket 130 may be positioned in the groove 112 and a portion of the bracket 130 may rest on a protrusion 114 extending from the channel box 140 (or anchor flukes 120) into the channel area 112.

In some embodiments, bracket 130 and/or channel box 140 provide a clear passageway for electrical wires to pass through or around anchor plate. Accordingly, the channel box 140 may have additional openings to allow for power cables to pass into the channel from behind a wall where the anchor plate 100 may be installed. In further embodiments, an electrical connection is made from lighting or other circuitry to connector 150. In this manner, connector 150 may facilitate electrical connection to a junction box or other power supply.

The minimum necessary length of anchor flukes 120 would depend on, inter alia, the weight to be distributed (e.g., the weight of fixture 200). Those of skill in the art will understand that neither the length nor the height of anchor plate 100 is limited, whether or not sectional lines are included in FIG. 1 as well as other Figures in the present disclosure. Furthermore, as shown, anchor flukes 120 include recessed surfaces that project in the same direction as bracket 130, however, nothing in this disclosure should be read to require those surfaces in every embodiment.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to effect such feature, structure or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Parts of the description are presented using terminology commonly employed by those of ordinary skill in the art to convey the substance of their work to others of ordinary skill in the art.

The above illustration provides many different embodiments or embodiments for implementing different features of the invention. Specific embodiments of components and processes are described to help clarify the invention. These are, of course, merely embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention from that described in the claims.

FIG. 2

FIG. 2 illustrates an anchor plate and light fixture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fixture 200 includes tongue 110, attached to bracket 130 and disposed in the central groove. A housing 230 includes struts 230 positioned to form a complimentary cavity to match the tongue 110 such that the tongue 110 may be slidably inserted into the cavity. While the movable bracket 130 may be inserted into the groove and secure in place suing a fastener such as a set screw or magnet, the bracket 130 may also be permanently fixed to the housing 230 in some embodiments. The struts 210 function to secure housing 230 to the tongue 110 when tongue 110. Housing 230 may be held in place using fasteners such as set screws, magnets and the like. Some embodiments may include combinations of brackets 130 and housings 230 to provide for different affects.

In this manner, the weight of housing 230 and objects that may be attached to housing 230 (e.g., lighting or circuitry), may be distributed to tongue 110. In the manner described herein, said weight will be distributed to a wall or other surface from tongue 110 through anchor flukes 120. Those of skill in the art will understand that struts 210 should fit snugly around tongue 110 in order to provide a secure platform to begin loading fixture 200 with weight (such as weight from luminaires).

In some embodiments, housing 230 includes one or more tracks 235 as shown, which may be used to support or secure light sources such as fluorescent lamps, LEDs and the like.

FIG. 3

FIG. 3 illustrates an installed anchor plate and light fixture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, struts 210 are inserted over the tongue 110, and are generally flush against anchor plate 100. The anchor plate 100 is, in turn disposed into a wall, and sheet-rocked or taped into place. The housing 230 may be held in place with set screws (not shown). Mudding over the flukes provides for a secure fit to a wall, and the flukes provide a portion of the anchor plate where the wall plaster can attach. By providing a gradient in the design of the anchor plate 100, plastering can be applied to give a uniform, built-in, appearance to a finished luminaire or other fixture.

In this embodiment, tongue 110 can protrude through a wall, ceiling or other surface such that no escutcheon or cover plate is required on the wall, ceiling or surface thus providing an attractive lighting fixture which is easy to install and power. This embodiment may be made from aluminum or other suitable material that can provide the material strength required to support the luminaire that would be mounted on a distant end of fixture 200. Typical materials include, but are not limited to plastics, metals, ceramics, wood and fiberglass or combinations thereof. Also, the embodiments shown can be affixed to structural supports or to electrical fixtures such as junction boxes.

FIGS. 4A, 48 and 4C

FIG. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a circuit board and an inline sliding connector, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, FIG. 4A shows female connectors 402 are mounted on respective substrates or circuit boards 400. The connectors 402 are designed for receiving prongs through receptacles on the connectors 402. The connectors 402 may have electrical contacts to the circuit boards 400 allowing the connectors 402 to be soldered in place and provide electrical contact from the receptacles to the circuit board 400. An inline header connector (or plug) 410 has elongated prongs or members. In operation the prongs of the header connector 410 are inserted into and through a first female connector 402 and into a second female connector 402, thus providing electrical conductivity between the two circuit boards 400.

Different embodiments may employ different number and type of prongs to effect coupling the circuit boards 400. For example and without limitation, an embodiment may include power connectors and one or more digital signal connectors. The prongs on the header connector 410 may match to standardized connectors such as USB connectors or the like.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of the current disclosure for use with a light fixture as described herein. As shown, FIG. 4B includes circuit boards 420 and 430 with female connectors 422 and 432 respectively. The circuit boards 420 and 430 may include an array of light sources such as LEDs (shown as 440), which, without limitation, may be considered a single light source. The LEDs 230 may be powered by a constant current or voltage source (not shown) through traces on the circuit boards 420 and 430. The traces extend to the female connectors 422 and 432. In operation the circuit board 420 and 430 are placed near each other such that the connectors 422 and 432 align.

One having skill in the art will appreciate that there is no need to limit this disclosure to only two circuit boards as shown, or to limit the power source in any way. Moreover, many circuit boards may be “daisy-chained” using female connectors (such as 422 and 432) and header connectors 410. Furthermore, variegated circuit boards may be used, including circuit boards using different light sources, occupancy sensors, sound frequency generators, control, communications electronics, and the like. In addition, one skilled in the art will appreciated that multiple prongs may be separated using a dielectric spacer to hold them apart.

FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment for a light fixture according to the present disclosure. As shown, FIG. 4C shows inline header connector 410 linked to female connectors 422 and 432, thus allowing electrical current to flow across circuit boards 420 and 430. The inline header connector 410 is inserted such that the prongs extend into the first connector 432 and then further extend into the second connector 422. In the event a conformal coating is used, and such conformal coating blocks connectors' 422 and 432 electrical contacts, then the prongs on the header connector 410 may operate to break the conformal coating and reach the electrical contacts inside the connectors 422 and 432.

In certain embodiments the prongs of the inline header connector 410 may also provide structural support for the circuit board if the prongs are made with sufficient strength. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A-C provide several advantages over conventional connectors. These advantages include, but are not limited to:

-   -   Uniformity of circuit board design because all the connectors on         the circuit board are the same;     -   Compatibility with conformal coatings;     -   Ease of installation because the circuit board may simply be         positioned together without having to match male or female         connectors;     -   Ease of maintenance because a single circuit board located         within a series may be removed by removing the header connector.

FIG. 5

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of portions of a luminaire including inline sliding connectors, housing end cap, and terminator circuit boards, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, FIG. 5 includes a chassis or housing 502. The chassis 502 provides for multiple tracks 535 that accept circuit boards 540. The tracks 535 are shown offset with a track open on the top of the chassis 502 and another, offset, and open on the opposite side of the chassis 502. Disposed in the tracks 535 are circuit boards 540 having a plurality of LEDs 430. By offsetting the tracks 535 the heat from the LEDs can be more easily dissipated as compared to a fixture with back-to-back LEDs because the chassis 502 may operate as a heat sink for dissipating heat into air. Accordingly, certain embodiments may provide for advanced heat sink capabilities by providing fins or other structures, including ornamental structures to provide for more efficient heat dissipation.

Each circuit board 540 has at least one inline connector 402 that allows for providing power to the LEDS 430 as well as passing power across the circuit board 540 to another circuit board 540 (not shown). Electrical power may be coupled between the tracks 535 using the terminator circuit board 510 which includes receptacles 520. In operation, terminal circuit board 510 couples power from connector 402 to receptacle 520 by use of a header connector 410. Traces on terminal circuit board 510 provide power to other connectors 402 on additional circuit boards 540 located on the opposite side of the chassis 502 in a separate track 535. One skilled in the art will understand that bracket end cap 500 should be placed such that connectors 402 and terminals 520 align in a manner operable to allow prongs to make electrical contact with both connectors 402 and terminals 520.

Bracket end cap 500 serves to house terminator circuit board 510 and couple terminator circuit board 510 to chassis 502. In some embodiments, bracket end cap 500 may serve to protect and insulate terminator circuit board 510. In other embodiments, bracket end cap 500 may serve to allow for easy installation without tools by simply sliding, “snapping on” or by otherwise attaching bracket end cap 500 onto chassis 502.

FIG. 6

FIG. 6 illustrates a light fixture, lens cover plate and optional light pipe, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. By way of example and not limitation, the fixture is shown installed in a wall 630 (as indicated by the dashed surface, e.g., drywall or paint). As shown, lens cover plate 600 snaps over a portion of housing 230 thereby covering the track 635. In this manner, LEDs 430 on circuit board 540 are contained within housing 230 in track 635 and lens 600. Circuit board 540 may include connectors (not shown) and terminator circuits (not shown) as described herein, that supply power to LEDs 430.

In one embodiment, lens 600 may be composed of two materials with different optical density, namely, cover material 605 and edge material 610. In this embodiment, cover material 605 refers to the major portion of lens 600 through which most light from LEDs 430 travels through, and edge material 610 refers to the minor, edge portion of lens 600.

Furthering the above embodiment, edge material 610 may be of a higher optical density than cover material 605. In this manner, edge material 610 may allow less light from LEDs 430 through, providing for a soft glow. In this same manner, cover material 605 may be optically sparse than edge material 610, permitting more light form LEDs 430 through, thus allowing for brighter, fuller illumination of objects below. Moreover, the lens 600 may be formed by extruding plastics with two different optical densities into a single, seamless, molded part allowing any desired length for the light fixture. Plastics with differing optical densities may be heat extruded to provide for uniform thickness in certain embodiments.

In an optional embodiment, edge material 610 may be of a low optical density, allowing for light to pass through relatively uninhibited, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, optional light pipe insert 620 may be slid or otherwise attached proximate to edge material 610. The light pipe insert 620 operates to direct light from the light source to a desired edge. The light pipe insert 620 may be of a high optical density, allowing for less light to pass through from LEDs 430 than cover material 605. In this manner, light pipe 620 may be installed at a later time should the user desire a soft illumination from edge material 610.

In operation the light fixture of FIG. 6 may provide tri-directional lighting by providing light from the LEDs directed from one side of the light fixture, while providing light from a second side of the light fixture in the opposite direction (but offset), and directing a third portion of light from one of the LED arrays 430 through a light pipe 620 to an edge of the fixture. In the embodiment shown, the light directions are orthogonal in that light travels through the lens cover plate 600 at a first direction and form the edge 610 at approximately 90 degrees offset. This allows a lighting designer a wide range of aesthetics and lighting affects because light of different densities may be directed where needed. Moreover, different colors, hues, and tones of plastic opacities can be employed in certain embodiments to provide for predetermined lighting effects.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A device including: a lens, said lens extruded from a first and a second plastic, each of said plastics having a first and second optical density respectively; said lens further presenting a first and second surface substantially orthogonal to each other, wherein the first surface is substantially formed by the first plastic and the second surface is substantially formed by the second plastic; a plurality of light sources, said light sources arranged in a linear array; wherein a portion of light from said light sources is directed through the first surface and a portion of the light is directed through the second surface.
 2. The device of claim 1 further including a light pipe operable to direct light from the light sources to either the first or the second surface.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second plastics are a different color.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the first surface is substantially planar.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the second surface forms and edge of the first surface.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the lens is disposed over a track and the light sources are disposed in the track.
 7. A luminaire including: a single extruded lens having a plurality of plastics, each plastic having a different optical density; a track, said track having a plurality of light sources disposed to splay light from the light sources to the lens, wherein light passes through each of the plastics.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein the light sources are disposed on a circuit board, said circuit board including an inline sliding connector coupling the light sources to a power supply. 